Becoming a good cook is not easy. It takes burning more than one pan and, hopefully, learning from mistakes. As the needs and preferences of the diners evolve, the same old recipe may no longer work and the cookbook may have to be adapted. The availability of new ingredients, cooking techniques, and kitchen gadgets may also call for innovation in the kitchen, leading to the … [Read more...] about Structural Reforms: New Recipes for Evolving Needs
Beyond development effectiveness
COVID-19: The Response of the IDB Group in Central America and the Dominican Republic in 2020
The year 2020 was unprecedented throughout the world, and Central America and the Dominican Republic were no exceptions. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those of Hurricanes Eta and Iota in some countries, caused the largest economic contraction in the region in recent history, surpassing even the effects of the 2009 global financial crisis. In the wake of the … [Read more...] about COVID-19: The Response of the IDB Group in Central America and the Dominican Republic in 2020
The Race Is On: Sprinting Towards Transparency in Development
There is no doubt that in the Digital Era, the world is moving progressively towards the ideal of perfect information. Technology opens up endless possibilities for information sharing, and as information consumers we naturally crave more and more of it as rapidly as possible. A key focus of the IDB Group’s Institutional Strategy recognizes an important aspect of this trend. … [Read more...] about The Race Is On: Sprinting Towards Transparency in Development
Evidence-based purchasing in times of COVID-19: Lessons from Argentina
During this unprecedented global health crisis, a rapid and effective government response is crucial to minimize the negative impact of COVID-19. Clearly, having a solid health system and qualified personnel in charge is key. But efficient and transparent electronic-public purchasing policies are also important. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) works with national … [Read more...] about Evidence-based purchasing in times of COVID-19: Lessons from Argentina
Boosting impact of development projects in the public sector with private investments
When you think about Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) like the IDB, you normally think about public sector investment. But can the public sector arm of an MDB also mobilize private investment? The answer is yes. Here is how: Global challenges, changing demographics, and investment decisions If you had to go back in time to 1980 and had some extra cash to invest, you would … [Read more...] about Boosting impact of development projects in the public sector with private investments